Rodeway Inn

The Rodeway Inn, located at 731 S Main St, Sweetwater, TN 37874, USA, is a 2-star hotel that positions itself as a practical and economical choice within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category for travelers seeking a comfortable and reliable stay in Sweetwater, Tennessee. For direct inquiries or reservations, the hotel can be reached at (423) 271-8003 or +1 423-271-8003.

The Rodeway Inn in Sweetwater is situated conveniently off I-75 and Highway 11, making it easily accessible for travelers passing through or looking to explore the area. Sweetwater itself is a small, quiet town in East Tennessee, offering a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger tourist hubs. The hotel's immediate environment is generally that of a typical roadside inn, but it distinguishes itself with a unique natural feature: a "nice pond out back with picnic tables" where guests can fish. This provides a serene and unexpected amenity, as one guest happily reported catching "decently sized bass and panfish" there regularly. The overall impression from guests is that the hotel is "quiet day and night," contributing to a peaceful stay.

The hotel's location is strategic for accessing a variety of local attractions and outdoor activities. It is approximately 5 miles from The Lost Sea Adventure, America's largest underground lake and a popular regional draw. Other nearby points of interest include the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Sweetwater Main Street with its shops and eateries, and Sweetwater Valley Farm. For those seeking outdoor adventures, Watts Bar Lake is about a 30-minute drive away, offering boating and fishing opportunities. While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is less than 2 hours away, and the Cherokee National Forest is less than an hour away, the Rodeway Inn serves as a convenient base for exploring these larger natural areas, providing a solid deal for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Rodeway Inn focuses on providing essential services and amenities for a comfortable and value-driven stay. These typically include:

• Complimentary Continental Breakfast: A significant convenience for guests, a free continental breakfast is offered daily to help guests start their day. This is a common and appreciated amenity for budget-conscious travelers.
• Clean and Comfortable Rooms: Guests frequently praise the "clean rooms" and comfortable beds, often described as a "perfect happy medium between firm and soft." Room types commonly include King Bed Non-Smoking, Queen Room with Two Queen Beds Non-Smoking, and Triple Room with Sofa Bed Non-Smoking.
• In-Room Conveniences: Each guestroom is equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable stay. These generally include a refrigerator, microwave, coffee/tea maker, iron and ironing board, and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms, ensuring guests can stay connected.
• 24-Hour Front Desk: The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk service, providing assistance to guests at any time of day or night. The staff is often described as "friendly and great to talk to," contributing positively to the guest experience.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The Rodeway Inn is a pet-friendly hotel, allowing dogs or cats in guestrooms for an additional fee (e.g., $10-$15 per night per pet, with size and limit restrictions, typically up to 2 pets per room). Service animals are exempt from fees. This makes it a suitable option for travelers with furry companions.
• Outdoor Amenities: Beyond the fishing pond, the hotel also offers a picnic area with tables, providing a pleasant space for guests to relax outdoors.
• Parking: Free self-parking is available on-site, and RV/bus/truck parking is also offered, though fees may apply for larger vehicles.
• Other Services: The hotel provides coffee/tea in a common area, vending machines for snacks and beverages, and access to copy and fax services for business travelers. Daily housekeeping is provided, and guests may also opt-out of daily cleaning services.

A notable feature of the Rodeway Inn in Sweetwater is its identity as an "old building," which guests sometimes perceive as having "quirks that come with it." However, this is often seen as adding character rather than diminishing the quality of the stay. The hotel has been refurbished, and its rooms are generally described as fresh despite the building's age. The presence of the on-site fishing pond is a unique recreational feature that sets this Rodeway Inn apart from many standard budget hotels, offering an unexpected leisure activity right on the property.

The consistent positive feedback regarding cleanliness, quietness, and the friendliness of the staff are significant features. While it is a "budget hotel," it aims to provide the reliability and basic necessities that travelers expect from a brand name like Rodeway Inn. The hotel has 46 rooms spread across 3 floors. Check-in typically begins at 2:00 PM, and check-out is by 11:00 AM. It also provides accessibility features such as wheelchair-accessible parking and paths of travel.

The Rodeway Inn promotes itself as offering "great value on the road," emphasizing its affordability combined with essential comforts. It highlights its convenient location between Knoxville and Chattanooga and its proximity to outdoor attractions like the Lost Sea and Watts Bar Lake. The hotel assures guests of "clean and inviting" rooms and a "good night and great savings."

Customer reviews provide a mixed but generally positive perspective on the Rodeway Inn. One guest highly praises the property as a "Great place. Clean rooms, it's quiet day and night and convenient. A superior value. Staff is friendly and great to talk to. Beds were just right, perfect happy medium between firm and soft. Breakfast was good. There's a nice pond out back with picnic tables where I fished regularly and caught some decently sized bass and panfish. It's an old building, so expect the quirks that come with it, which by no means diminished the quality of the stay. It's something I can appreciate, really. We stayed about a month and had zero issues." This review paints a picture of a consistent, pleasant, and highly functional stay, particularly for longer durations, highlighting strong value and positive staff interactions.

However, another review raises a serious concern: "Charged twice for deposit and they declined that they did but my bank said otherwise nice to know arabs can do what they want in this country since we as Americans protect there country's." This highlights a significant issue with billing and customer service from the guest's perspective, coupled with an inappropriate and concerning generalization. While the first review indicates excellent long-term satisfaction, the second points to potential problems with financial transparency and dispute resolution, which prospective guests should be aware of. It's important to note that many properties require a security deposit upon check-in, especially for cash payments (e.g., $50 cash deposit). Guests should clarify all deposit policies at the time of booking and retain all documentation. Overall, for those seeking a reliable, quiet, and budget-friendly stay with a unique fishing amenity, the Rodeway Inn in Sweetwater appears to offer good value, but potential guests are advised to confirm all financial details upon arrival to avoid unexpected issues.